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12.13.2008

The Official Statement from Auburn

Gene Chizik, a former Auburn defensive coordinator and currenthead coach at Iowa State, has been named the head football coach atAuburn University, Athletics Director Jay Jacobs announced Saturday.

Chizik, who helped Auburn and Texas to consecutive undefeated seasonsin 2004 and 2005, will be formally introduced as Auburn’s 26th headcoach at a press conference Monday.

Chizik, a 23-year coaching veteran, was Auburn’s defensivecoordinator from 2002-04, where he helped guide the Tigers to a 13-0season in 2004 while earning the Frank Broyles Award as the nation’stop assistant coach. He also served as the assistant head coach andco-defensive coordinator at Texas from 2005-06 where he helped theLonghorns to a perfect season and national championship in 2005.

“I’m extremely proud and excited to have Gene returning to Auburnto take over as head football coach of this program,” Jacobs said.“I know that we have found the right fit for Auburn. Gene’s bodyof work during his 23 years in this profession is remarkable. He has astrong knowledge of this athletics program, this university and thecommunity, and he knows how to be successful in the SoutheasternConference. He is a high-energy coach that is an outstanding motivatorand demands a tough, physical style of football. I’m confident thatGene can build upon the foundation that has been established and makethis a program that competes for championships on a consistentbasis.”

During his tenure at Auburn, Chizik’s 2004 defense led the nation inscoring defense (11.3 ppg) and was fifth nationally in total defense,allowing just 277.6 yards a contest. In three years at Auburn, Chizikhelped the Tigers to a 30-9 mark including an 18-6 SoutheasternConference record. In 2003, Auburn’s defense was fifth nationally intotal defense.

In two seasons in Austin, the Longhorns were 22-3 with Chizik. At onepoint, he was a part of 29 consecutive victories, which began in 2003 atAuburn and ended in 2006 at Texas.

Chizik’s reputation as an outstanding teacher is evident by the factthat he tutored a remarkable three consecutive Thorpe Award winners,starting with Auburn’s Carlos Rogers in 2004, followed by Texas’Michael Huff and Aaron Ross in 2005 and 2006.

“Through my travels in coaching over the last 23 years, there’s oneplace that I’ve always wanted to return to and that is Auburn,”Chizik said. “The tradition of the Auburn football program combinedwith the passionate fans and their love for Auburn are second to none.My family and I are Auburn through and through, and look forward tobeing part of the Auburn family and community.”

“I am dedicated to working tirelessly to win championships,” Chiziksaid. “We will not be outworked in any facet of the building process.I’m excited to get on the recruiting trail, meeting with the currentplayers and reconnecting with past players. We want to develop youngmen into champions not only on the playing field, but in the classroomand in the community.”

During his two seasons at Iowa State, the 46-year old Chizik was in themidst of a rebuilding process, directing the Cyclones to a 5-19 mark.The Iowa State administration rewarded Chizik’s leadership and visionfor the program by offering him a two-year contract extension followingthis season.

Chizik’s first win came against intrastate rival Iowa in 2007, makinghim the first Cyclone coach since 1907 to beat the Hawkeyes in hisinaugural season. The 2007 season also included conference wins overKansas State and bowl-bound Colorado.

Prior to his arrival at Auburn, Chizik was the defensive coordinatorfor four seasons (1998-01) at Central Florida, where he improved a unitthat was 81st nationally in total defense before his arrival to one thatwas 16th in the country in 2001.

Chizik spent six seasons at Stephen F. Austin from 1992-97, overseeingthe linebackers (1992-94) and secondary (1995-97). While at Stephen F.Austin, Chizik helped the Lumberjacks to back-to-back NCAA Division I-AAplayoffs, including a national semifinal appearance in 1995.

He began his coaching career as defensive coordinator (1986-88) atSeminole High School in St. Petersburg, Fla., before becoming a graduateassistant at Clemson for a pair of 10-win teams in 1988-89. Chizik’sfirst full-time college coaching position came at Middle TennesseeState, where he helped lead the Blue Raiders to NCAA Division I-AAplayoffs in both of his seasons (1990-91) and to a conferencechampionship in 1990.

Chizik earned his B.A. degree in education from Florida in 1985 and hisM.A. in guidance and counseling from Clemson in 1991. A Clearwater,Fla., native, Chizik and his wife, Jonna, have identical twin daughters,Landry Grace and Kennedy Danielle, and son, Cally.

WHAT THEY’RE SAYING ABOUT GENE CHIZIKCarlos Rogers, Washington Redskins, Former Auburn All-American, 2004Thorpe Award Winner“This was the best decision Auburn could have made. Coach Chizik waslike a dad to me. From a player and student point of view he’s exactlywhat Auburn needs in a head coach.”

Carnell Williams, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Former Auburn All-AmericanRunning Back“Coach Chizik is a players’ coach. Even though he was on thedefensive side of the ball, he taught all of us the importance of hardwork. He’s the kind of coach recruits hope to get to play for, and Ithink this is a great hire. I’m excited for Auburn.”

Dontarrious Thomas, Minnesota Vikings, Former Auburn linebacker“Gene Chizik will make a great addition for Auburn. He knows the gameof football and knows how to motivate and relate to young athletes. Heknows how to motivate them to be successful not only on the field but inthe classroom and in the game of life. He will be a blessing for theplayers and for Auburn University."

Done deal: It's Chizik

Iowa State athletic director Jamie Pollard has confirmed the hire.

Gene Chizik will be Auburn's next football coach.

"Gene (Chizik) confirmed for me today that he is accepting the head coaching position at Auburn. I’m disappointed for our Iowa State fans and student-athletes that he has chosen to leave our program after only two seasons," Pollard said.

Jacobs non-committal

Live from AUO: Jay Jacobs neither confirms or denies the Gene Chizik stories.

He says The Process is ongoing.

Asked if he got his guy, Jacobs said: "Nope, we're still in the process."

Asked how close he is to a resolution, Jacobs said: "If everything continues to go well in the next few days, that would help narrow down the process pretty well. We'll go from there. We've just got to move along. It's been good so far."

Asked directly if Chizik is Auburn's coach, Jacobs said: "we're still working through the deal."

ALSO OF NOTE: Protesters were in attendance at the airport. Several were boisterous. This is not a good sign for Jacobs, Chizik or Auburn in general.

Dooley drops out

You know a decision is coming when candidates begin dropping out of the competition...

This is from Louisiana Tech:

RUSTON -- In light of the continued speculation, Louisiana Tech head coach Derek Dooley confirmed Saturday that he has removed his name as a potential candidate for the Auburn head coaching position.

“As I have said on many occasions, we are very happy in Ruston and are excited about the continued investments that our administration is committed to making into our athletic program,” Dooley said. “Our team will begin bowl preparation on Sunday and any further speculation about my future would be an unfair and distracting element.”

Friday chatter

Hey everyone. I don't have much to add at this early hour, but I can't let the other thread approach 500 comments without some intervention.

I'm eagerly awaiting today's Duel of TV Sources. WSFA out of Montgomery still is reporting that South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier could be Auburn's next coach.

In other news, Pat Dye could be Auburn's next coach. He has won an SEC championship, has top-tier coaching experience and knows this area.

Fox 10 out of Mobile is reporting that Will Muschamp will be named Auburn's coach today. They cite an earlier report from WVUE, a Fox affiliate out of New Orleans, but I cannot find that report on WVUE's web site.

Should be another fun day.HABOTN RADIO UPDATE: We'll be hitting the airwaves from noon to 2 p.m. CST this afternoon on Montgomery's WMSP 740. Please listen and call in. All HOTTIES are encouraged to participate. If you make it on the air, I'll lavish you with excessive praise.

12.11.2008

The crew returns from Ft. Worth

Hey everyone. Here's why I couldn't do the campfire today:

Jay Jacobs and several of his athletic department associates landed at AUO around 5:45 p.m. after a day-long trip to Ft. Worth, Texas. That just happens to be where Texas Christian University is located.

Jacobs' party included two people I'd consider part of the department's inner circle: Mark Richard and Tim Jackson. Quentin Riggins, the former Auburn player and sideline reporter for the Auburn ISP Sports Network, also was part of the party. He's not someone I expected to see. Jacobs said other people would be part of the search process, though, and Riggins is a credible guy in my book.

Riggins said he couldn't comment when approached just off the tarmac. This was a paparazzi-style rush.

They departed this morning at 5:44, so they spent approximately eight hours in Ft. Worth.

PLANE TRICKY: Auburn's jets were quietly in the hangar for this trip. Jacobs & Co. flew on an 8-passenger jet registered to Warren Manufacturing. That's a Birmingham-based company that sells agricultural vehicles and trailers. The connection isn't clear to me.IS THE PRESIDENT AROUND?: Rather than walk away from the plane like normal civilians, Jacobs & Co. decided to get all secretive. An assistant ferried an SUV from the parking lot, pulled the truck alongside the airplane on the tarmac and the passengers all but dived into the vehicle. You'd think this was President Bush in a Somalian hot zone.

Getting warm on a Thursday

Hey everyone. Sorry again for the late start. This has been a habit of late, but my schedule is different these days.

I have been making calls in a mostly futile effort to gather information about Auburn's football-related intentions. I'll say this: I believe the search will end next week. As far as the next coach's identity, I have no idea.

Since Ball State's Brady Hoke confirmed yesterday that he has spoken with Jay Jacobs, we can add him to the highly official HABOTN list of official candidates:

Brady Hoke, Ball State head coach

Derek Dooley, Louisiana Technical Institute head coach

Turner Gill, U. Buffalo head coach

Patrick Nix, U. Miami offensive coordinator (possibly by phone)

Rodney Garner, U. Georgia assistant/recruiting coordinator

*We also have unconfirmed reports that Tulsa coach Todd Graham has interviewed with the Tigers. To this point, though, Tulsa officials have declined to address the situation. Graham was evasive when queried in Mobile on Wednesday.

*We also have an unconfirmed report from ESPN, citing unnamed sources, that says TCU's Gary Patterson will communicate with Auburn today.

CAMPFIRE POSTPONED: I was planning to run one. I think search-related issues have foiled us again. I'll keep you updated ...

THE OFFICIAL NALL STORY: In the unlikely event you haven't yeat read this valuable piece of prose, here is my story about Hugh Nall that appeared in Thursday's editions.

T-SHIRT ALERT: If you said you'd buy a HABOTN tee and haven't yet communicated with Scottie B., now is this time. Please see the original thread for ordering information. Get on it!

12.10.2008

Hugh Nall speaks

Just got off the phone with Hugh Nall. As the HOTTIES learned several days ago, Nall (pictured in the background at right) is now a high-ranking official with a company based in Albany, Ga.

Nall had plenty to say about his final day at Auburn. It gives us a glimpse into the frenzy and abrupt finale that was Tuberville's last stand.

HERE'S HOW IT UNFOLDED:

Nall was in Atlanta around 2:30 CST preparing to board a plane bound for Dallas. He was headed west to visit with OL commitment Aaron Moore.

Prior to boarding, Nall called Andy Lutz (Tuberville's right-hand man) and asked if he needed to hang back or get on the plane.

"A gut feeling told me to call into the office and see what was going on," Nall said. ``Tubs told Andy that I needed to go; that it looks like this thing is going to work out."

Nall lands in Dallas around 4:15. He has received dozens of messages. The first is from Lutz.

"He said everybody's been let go. He said we needed to be with our families," Nall said. ``I'm in Dallas, Texas. My wife is calling me. Someone at the bank told her. My daughter heard it on the radio. They want to talk with me and here I am in Dallas."

As it turns out, the plane Nall rode from Atlanta to Dallas is heading back to Atlanta in less than an hour. He immediately books a seat on the return flight.

While waiting for his final flight as an Auburn employee, Nall talks with long-time friend Henry Griffin. He owns Southern AG Carriers. That's where Nall works these days.

"He asked me: `Are you ready to get out of coaching?'" Nall said. ``I was already out of it."

OTHER QUOTES OF INTEREST:On the events of 12/3: "What gets me is this: When I got on that plane, Tuberville was going to stay. I get off the plane an hour and 40 minutes later and it's over. What happened? There's a good story in there."

On Olive Tuberville's assertion that her son was fired: "If Olive Tuberville told me it was going to be cold out, I'd wear the biggest coat I've got. That's all that needs to be said there."

On Tony Franklin's dismissal: "That was the right thing for Auburn University and the game of football. What I mean by that is that you had to do that for the players and the total situation. The chemistry was not there. The preparation certainly wasn't there. The whole deal wasn't working. I supported Tubs' decision."

*We also have unconfirmed reports that Tulsa coach Todd Graham is talking with Auburn.

SO WHAT'S GOING ON, JAY?: I've told you since the beginning that I'm 95% sure Auburn had its man targeted and vetted before the search began. Why all this talk about the guys you see above?

This is just how things work. Auburn's search is following the same script followed in 1998. We learned much later that Tommy Tuberville had been targeted and vetted long before he was announced as the Tigers' coach in late November that year. Yet we spent most of that "search" talking about guys like Pat Sullivan, Bobby Wallace, Tommy Bowden (then coaching an undefeated Tulane team), George O'Leary and Mike Cavan.

I still can't believe I wrote about Mike Cavan.

I've seen a lot of hand-wringing about these candidates. Someone emailed me and said this list sounds like something Mississippi State would assemble. My advice: Wait until the search has concluded before making serious assessments. I'm not trying to be Mr. Know It All here. It's just that I can sense that plenty of action is going down in private -- out of the media spotlight -- and that's the information you'll ultimately use to judge Jay Jacobs' work.

12.09.2008

Derek Dooley speaks

Hey everyone. Sorry for the delay. I had daddy duty for a bit.

Everyone's favorite Louisiana Tech football coach has amended his earlier statement -- the one that was a week old -- and now acknowledges meeting with Jay Jacobs. Both men were in New York City today for the College Football Hall of Fame festivities.

Here is Dooley's statement:

“Obviously, representatives from Auburn spoke with many people around the annual National Football Foundation event. I was one of the many but any further comment on this matter would be inappropriate at this time.”

Tuesday talk

Hey everyone. So we at least have a few official interviewees on the list now:

Turner Gill, U. Buffalo head coach

Patrick Nix, U. Miami offensive coordinator (possibly by phone)

Rodney Garner, U. Georgia assistant/recruiting coordinator

DOOLEY IN THE PICTURE?: We have unconfirmed reports that Derek Dooley, son of Vince, is interviewing with athletic Director Jay Jacobs today. That situation is difficult to confirm because Dooley is head coach and athletic director at Louisiana Tech.

He answers to the president, Dan Reneau. I'm aiming to correspond with him as soon as possible.

UPDATE: An LTU publicist, asked about the situation, said a statement Dooley released last week "still stands true." The statement says Dooley has not been contacted or interviewed in connection with another job.

HOKE REVERSES COURSE: Remember a few days ago when Ball State coach Brady Hoke said he hadn't been contacted by Auburn? Looks like that stance has changed. The (Muncie, Ind.) Star-Press, a fellow Gannett paper citing unnamed sources, reported today that BSU officials are expecting Hoke to meet with Jacobs today.

Of note: Hoke is schedule to appear in Mobile tomorrow for a GMAC Bowl event.

12.08.2008

Another official interviewee: Rodney Garner

The former Auburn player (and current UGA assistant) issued a statement through Georgia this evening:

“Auburn University, my alma mater, contacted me recently about its open head coaching position. Based on my respect for the Auburn program, we had a conversation about that opportunity. My family and I love Athens and the University of Georgia and are completely happy here. I’m sure the process will take its proper course and I don’t think it would be appropriate to comment further at this time.”

Jimbo Fisher speaks

He spoke EXCLUSIVELY with the HABOTN ... a few minutes before or after he spoke with other news organizations. There are a lot of people here.

I've been hearing your name a lot? What's it been like being such a hot name? I've learned in this business -- rumors and speculation will happen and you just have to go on. I haven't had any contact with Auburn and neither has my agent. Auburn hasn't contacted me or my agent. It's flattering. It's great that I'm thought of for a job as highly thought of as Auburn's job.

In light of what your president (T.K. Wetherell) said, are you surprised that your name keeps coming up?In today's times, nothing surprises me. The internet has changed the world. The fans all talk. If it's written on the internet, it must be true. The world has changed.

Are you going to be coaching at FSU next year?Whenever Coach Bowden retires, I'll …

I mean next season. You'll be at FSU next season?Yes. I'm planning on being at Florida State. That's where we plan on being.

What did you think about Wetherell taking such a strong stance about you not leaving? That's good to hear as a coach, because the best thing that can happen to you in this business is to be wanted. I love coaching at Florida State. I mean that. I enjoy going to work, which is a blessing. I'm doing my best to be truthful with everyone about this. I've always felt like telling people the truth -- whether it's good or bad -- is the best thing. I love being at FSU and I'm planning to be (at FSU)."

What did you think about Tuberville's situation?: "It's a sad thing for everyone. Everybody knows he did a good job. Change is going to happen regardless of where you are or how good you're doing. There's just so much money in college football now. Everybody wants a quick fix. They want everything to be great every single day. That's something that won't happen anymore. Auburn felt like they had to make a change. That's how things go."

BONUS QUOTE @ 9:30 p.m.: ``You never say never," Fisher said. ``This business is a crazy business. You never say never in this business. I know this -- I'm very happy where I am."

MY VIEW OF THIS: Another lukewarm denial. He's leaving plenty of wiggle room open here, though I expect that from a Jimmy Sexton client.

Monday revelations

Hey everyone. Sorry for the late start today. I put my non-newspaper life on hold for a while as the Tuberville situation developed and the coaching search "began." Some stuff needed to handled. Now it is.

I'm good to go now. Let's chat.

BOWDEN GOING WITH THE GUILT TRIP: I'm intrigued by comments Andrew Carter, the Orlando Sentinel's FSU writer, has posted from Bobby Bowden. As we all think we know, FSU offensive coordinator Jimbo Fisher is being considered for the Tigers' top job.

Here is the Bowden quote Carter posted earlier today:

"That’ll probably come up every year, and most of it’s probably not even true. But I think Jimbo’s a man of his word and his plans are to stay at Florida (State) and he told me that and he told our president that. And people write that stuff in there – they write that stuff in there like he’s not a man of his word, you know it. And we take him as a man of his word, so I don’t pay any attention to that.”

Does that mean Fisher won't be the next Auburn coach? I'm still not convinced by what I've heard from FSU (ie Fisher's non-denial denial) so far. At the same time, I'm not convinced Fisher is a legitimate Auburn candidate anyway.

FISHER IN TOWN TONIGHT: Fisher will be speaking to the Montgomery Quarterback Club tonight at 7 o'clock.

ANOTHER RED HERRING DENIES INTEREST: Ball State coach Brady Hoke, whose job was in trouble after a middling 2006 season, tells BSU beat writer Doug Zaleski that he's not talking with the Tigers.

Coleman, Marks earn SEC honors

Defensive end Antonio Coleman and defensive tackle Sen'Derrick Marks were named to the All-SEC team Monday.

Coleman made the first team.

Marks, surprisingly, was named honorable mention. I'm not saying he's the best tackle in the league or anything, but honorable mention? Wow.

**********

Coleman led Auburn with six sacks and 10.5 tackles for loss this season, and those numbers ranked tied for fifth and sixth in the SEC, respectively. He finished the season with 46 tackles (29 solo, 17 assists) and had a team-high 13 quarterback hurries, as well as a forced fumble and a pass break-up. He was named the SEC’s Defensive Lineman of the Week following Auburn’s 14-12 victory over Tennessee Sept. 27 after collecting four tackles including a sack and 1.5 tackles for loss.

It marked the third straight season that Auburn has had a defensive end named to the All-SEC first team, as Quentin Groves earned the honor in 2006 and 2007.

Marks tied for 10th in the SEC with 10 tackles for loss, and finished the season with 32 tackles overall (15 solo, 17 assists). He also collected two quarterback sacks, two pass break-ups, two quarterback hurries and a blocked field goal.

12/6: FSU offensive coordinator Jimbo Fisher provides a lukewarm denial of interest in Auburn, saying: "Auburn has not contacted me or my agent and we have not contacted them," Fisher told ESPN.com. "I'm very happy at Florida State. I'm very content at Florida State and I'm happy to be here."

UNRELATED UPDATE (@6:30 p.m.): Since it's Coaching Search Time, I'm keeping a closer eye on the Auburn planes. Don Dunn flew over to Greenville, Miss., today to meet with tailback LaDarius Perkins. No word if Turner Gill was involved.

SECOND UNRELATED UPDATE (@8:45 p.m.): Hugh Nall, the Tigers' former offensive line coach, officially is out of football. He has accepted a job as COO of Southern AG Carriers out of Albany, Ga. We wish him a HOT future.